Women in the 1840's were typically limited when it came to their political and legal rights. Despite what Abigail Adams had said to her husband, John Adams, during the making of the Constitution, asking him to "remember the ladies!", the women in America were furthermore oppressed. However many women grew impatient with their lack of representation, causing some of them to voice their opinions on the subject in attempt to change history.

     Instead of settling for merely "enhancing the social status of her husband," Women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton raised awareness to the suppression of women and end it. Organizing the Seneca Falls Convention in Seneca Falls, NY 1848, she believed, along with women all over the country, that Women are equal to men and deserve the same rights as their husbands. Especially from a political standpoint, Stanton believed that women's suffrage was key in the countries advancement. At the Seneca Falls convention, women spoke regarding child custody, divorce and property rights. During the 1830's and the 1840's women took reform movements against prostitution, alcohol, prisons, war and moral issues such as slavery. Activists such as Angelina and Sarah Grimke took part in educating and attempting to free slaves in the south. Harriet Wilson was the first African-American to publish a novel displaying the ideals of racism. ( Source 1)

     The 1950's could be considered a "Decade of survival" for women wishing to enter the armed forces. Although they got their right to vote, hey were generally unwelcome in the army, unless it was a Nurse's position (at this time, the only permanent position that women were able to hold in the military). Despite the need for bodies as the US entered both the Cold and Korean Wars, men were reluctant to concede women intervention in the armed forces. President Truman signed the Women's Armed Services Integration Act in 1948 establishing a permanent place for women in that area of the workforce. The branches included the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. However, despite the fight women made to be included in helping protect their country, many tried to opt out of their responsibilities once they learned the reality of serving first hand. Even though women's jobs were generally low paying and unskilled jobs (Ex: "women do not drive heavy trucks."), they would get pregnant to be excused from their duties. Overall the number of female participants in the military increased, however their percentage of participation in armed forces had declined. (Source 2).

     Taking off in the 1960's, Betty Friedans' "The Feminine Mystique" promoted personal fulfillment outside of a womans traditional housewife role. As an individual, Friedan was a co-founder of National Organization for Women (NOW), which advocated for an increased role of women in politics. She was an active feminist who promoted abortion rights as well as planned parenthood options such as birth control. (source 3)

Source 1: ushistory.org; 26c. Women's Rights.

Source 2: http://chnm.gmu.edu/courses/rr/s01/cw/students/leeann/historyandcollections/history/lrnmr... Women in the US Military - 1950's

Source 3: History.com Staff; Betty Friedan - Women's History